DUKE  UNIVERSITY  LIBRARY 
DURHAM,  N.  C. 


EXTRACT 

FROM  THE 

TRANSACTIONS 

OS  THE 

GERMAN  AND  ENGLISH 

FOR  NORTH  CAROLINA  AND  ADJACENT  STATES, 

IN  THE  TEAR  OF  OUR  LORD  1820. 


RALEIGH  : 


PRINTED  FOR  THE  USE  OF  THE  BYNOP, 

BY  LUCAS  &  HARVEY. 
1820. 


i 


EXTRACT  PROM  THE 
TRANSACTIONS  OF  THE  GERMAN  AND  ENGLISH 

LUTHERAN  SYNOD 

yOR  NORTH-CAROLINA  AND  ADJACENT  STATES, 
IN  1820. 


ON  the  28th  day  of  May,  most  of  the  ministers,  can- 
didates and  deputies  assembled  in  the  church,  near  Lin- 
colnton.  The  rev.  Mr.  Storck  opened  divine  service, 
and  preached  in  the  German,  and  then  the  rev.  Mr. 
Bell  in  the  English  language :  and  afterwards  the  Lord's 
Supper  was  administered. — The  synod  was  appointed  to 
meet  on  Monday  at  9  o'clock. 

On  said  day,  the  29th  of  May,  a  great  concourse  of. 
people  had  assembled  before  the  church,  in  which  the 
rev.  Paul  and  Philip  Henkel,  candidate  J.  E.  Bell,  and 
the  ex-catechet  David  Henkel,  were.-^As  it  was  known 
that  the  three  last  named  had,  by  their  conduct,  separat- 
ed from  us,  and  thereby  had  declared  every  thing  invalid 
w  hich  we  had  transacted  at  the  synod  in  1819,  and  in  or- 
der to  avoid  public  disputation,  the  question  was  sent  to 
the  rev.  Philip,  both  verbally  and  in  writing,  whether  he 
would  re-unite  with,  and  be  governed  by,  the  majority  of 
votes.  He  did  not  answer,  but  all  wanted  to  answer 
jointly,  which  could  not  be  accepted,  as  the  question  was 
put  to  the  rev.  Philip  alone.  It  was  evident  before  the 
church  door  that  an  union  was  impossible,  for  a  plan  for  an 
union  of  all  our  churches  in  North-America,  which  they 
feared  would  be  adopted  by  the  majority,  and  which  was 
opposed  by  them,  as  being  in  their  opinion  against  the 


(4) 


Augsburg  confession,  was  one  point ;  and  the  asserted  in- 
validity of  our  last  synod,  and  the  consequent  unautho- 
rised ordination  performed  by  the  rev.  Philip,  the  other: 
besides  other  imputations  on  which  they  insisted.  After 
some  parley,  we  all  went  into  church  :  the  rev.  Mr.l 
Storck,  as  president,  opened  with  a  fervent  prayer  to! 
the  God  of  love,  for  peace  and  union  among  those  who 
are  called  after  Christ,  and  particularly  among  those 
who  want  to  be  his  servants.    And  after  he  had  declared 
that  during  near  30  years,  in  which  he  officiated  as  min- 
ister of  the  gospel,  lie  never  felt  such  affliction  as  now, 
he  related,  in  German,  and  after  him,  G.  Shober,  in  the 
English  language,  to  the  numerous  assembly,  the  present 
situation  of  the  church,  because  the  majority  of  those 
present  could  not  have  received  a  true  conception  of  the 
case  as  it  stands. 

Among  other  things,  it  was  by  both  declared,  that  we 
had  no  ratified  constitution,  on  which  so  much  stress  was 
laid  as  having  acted  against  the  same,  but  that  the  rules 
of  our  church  were  called  constitution  by  the  secretary, 
in  the  book  called  Luther  but  that  it  made  no  difference 
whether  called  constitution  or  rules,  for  the  ministers 
and  congregations  were  hound  to  act  according  to  the 
rules:  that  we  had  last  year  broken  the  rules  in  this,  that 
the  synod  had  assembled  prior  to  Trinity  Sunday  :  but 
that,  as  in  extraordinary  cases,  deviations  from  rules 
or  constitution  is  often  necessary  and  profitable,  the  rea- 
son of  this  deviation  was  now  related,  viz  :  that  the 
Pennsylvania  synod  had  expressed  a  desire,  to  have  our 
whol-  church  in  North- America  united,  and  that  if  we 
thought  with  them,  we  were  requested  to  send  a  deputy 
to  their  next  synod,  in  order  to  contemplate  a  plan  for  a 
general  union,  but  as  their  synod  was  also  to  be  held  on 
Trinity  Sunday,  we  could  not  possibly  have  sent  one;  of 
co  rse  the  neighboring  ministers  were  by  letters  request- 
ed to  give  their  opinion  respecting  an  earlier  meeting  of 


*  But  on  examination  of  the  papers  this  assertion  was  afterwards 
found  to  be  incorrect ;  as  a  constitution  had  really  always  existed,  and 
this  was  as  openly  and  publicly  acknowledged,  and  of  course  the  above 
assertion  repealed,  and  it  was  also  written  to  the  reverend  Philip 
Henkel ;  but  upon  the  whole,  it  was  only  a  play  on  words,  for  the 
rules  were  openly  declared  to  be  obligatory  on  the  members  of  the 
church  as  a  constitution. 


(5) 


our  synod,  and  five  of  them  acknowledged  the  necessity, 
(as  to  them  a  general  union  appeared  very  desirable.) 
On  their  opinion,  then,  the  president  directed  the  secre- 
tary to  acquaint  all  our  ministers  that  we  would  meet  in 
synod  the  second  Sunday  after  Easter ;  and  as  far  as  is 
known  to  him,  this  was  done,  with  the  reason  for  the 
earlier  meeting  ;  and  all  these  letters  have  arrived  ex- 
cept to  Philip  Henkel,  as  he  says,  or  the  reason  of  the 
meeting  was  to  him  forgotten  to  be  mentioned,  but  yet 
he  had  notice  from  the  secretary. 

On  the  day  which  was  thus  appointed,  synod  and  all 
the  members  met,  except  the  reverend  Philip  and  the  can- 
didates from  Tennessee.  Philip  protested,  in  writing,  a- 
gainst  our  meeting,  with  vehemence,  and  gave  informa- 
tion, that  he  would  come  and  hold  synod  on  Trinity.  But 
tins  made  no  disturbance,  for,  after  the  synod  was  form- 
ed, and  the  cause  of  our  meeting  was  explained,  they,  the 
members,  unanimously  approved  ofthe  meeting,  accepted 
the  offer  from  Pennsylvania,  and  appointed  a  deputy  to 
meet  them  on  Trinity  Sunday,  where  a  sketch  of  a  plan 
for  a  general  union  was  formed  and  published.  During 
this  synod,  more  than  one  day  was  spent  in  examining 
charges  exhibited  against  D  avid  Renkef.  partly  verbally, 
by  one  or  two,  and  other  honorable  citizens  in  writing,  a- 
bouthis  public  conduct,  and  the  conclusion  against  Motto 
which  he  submitted  (as  seen  in  our  lastyear's  minutes)  was 
very  tender,  and  he  received  printed  licence  as  a  cat;  chet 
for  one  year,  with  the  verbal  resolution  to  him  given,  that 
if  in  six  months,  he  proves  to  our  president  that  peace 
reigns  in  his  congregations,  and  that  he  lives  in  love  with 
the  neighbouring  ministers,  he  should  give  him  license  as 
a  candidate.  Instead  now,  of  acting  accordingly,  he  sent 
a  messenger  to  his  brother  Philip  and  insisted  for  him  to 
come,  but  before  lie  departed  from  Tennessee  he  received 
information  in  a  letter  from  the  secretary  in  what  man 
ner  the  candidates  in  Tennessee  could  have  their  annual 
license  renewed,  and  how  the  school  in  Tennessee  would 
be  supported ;  and  when  he  had  arrived  to  hold  synod,  he 
received  information  that  the-  licenses  should  be  renewed, 
and  an  assignment  for  money  towards  said  school  would 
be  given,  as  soon  as  an  acceptable  constitution  for  the 


(6) 


same  should  be  laid  before  the  rev.  Mr.  Storck,  Miller, 
and  Paul  Ilenkel,  or  a  majority  of  them. — See  29. 

When  he  there  arrived,  with  others,  at  the  church  on 
Trinity  Sunday,  thfe  preachers  were  permitted  to  preach 
but  not  hold  synod,  as  the  synod  had  previously  finished 
all  necessary  business.  Yet,  notwithstanding  this,  and 
that  our  congregations  in  Tennessee  would  not  suffer  ac- 
cording to  the  above  resolution  and  information  given,  he 
among  the  rest,  ordained  his  brother  David  under  a  tree, 
although  lie  was  but  a  catechet  as  above. 

It  was  further  related  to  the  audience,  how  David  had 
made  use  of  an  error  of  the  printer's,  in  the  book  called 
Luther,  artfully  to  mislead  the  congregations  (which  made 
use  of  him)  into  a  mistrust  of  the  senior  ministers,  as  if 
they  designedly  neglected  to  advance  young  men  in  the 
ministry,  and  that,  after  he  had  done  the  same,  and  the 
error  in  the  book  was  made  evident,  he,  and  his  father, 
being  p'iblicly  required  to  do  so,  refused  to  explain  it  to 
the  people,  and  afterwards,  as  well  as  before,  industrious- 
ly continued  to  throw  dust  in  the  eyes  of  the  people.  Af- 
ter every  thing  material  had  been  thus  related  to  the  au- 
dience, and  after  open  declaration  that  we  were  inclined 
to  forgive  all,  as  errors  had  been  committed  on  both  sides, 
the  opponents  answered,  but  would  not  refute  what  was 
above  above  charged,  and  on  the  question  "whether  we 
would  unite  V9  they  accused  us  of  not  teaching  water 
baptism  to  be  regeneration,  and  that  we  did  not  accept 
the  elements  in  the  eucharist  as  the  true  body  and  blood 
of  the  Lord,  corporeally;  and  therefore,  and  because  the 
plan  for  a  general  union  of  our  church  (which  they  fear- 
ed wc  would  adopt)  was  against  the  Augsburg  confes- 
sion, and  also,  because  they  were  published  in  the  gazette 
(which  although  not  done  by  any  of  us  yet  they  suppos- 
ed we  believed  what  it  contained)  they  could  not  unite 
with  us,  and  the  rev.  Paul  concluded — I  cannot  unite  with 
such  a  body. 

At  last,  in  order  to  finish  such  unedifying  debates  before 
the  multitude  and  particularly  the  impertinancies  of  Da- 
vid, it  was  published  that  synod  would  meet  in  the  after- 
noon, which  was  done,  and  as  the  rev.  Paul  and  Philip 
did  not  unite,  the  rev.  Mr.  Storck,  was  elected  president, 


(7) 


and  G.  Shober,  secretary.  The  meeting  was  then  adr 
journed  to  the  next  day. 


TUESDAY,  MAY  30. 

Synod  assembled  again  in  church. 
President  began  the  transactions  with  an  appropriate 
hymn  and  prayer. 

MINISTERS  PRESENT,  Were 

Charles  Storck,  President,  G.  Shober,  Secretary,  Rob, 
Johnston  Miller,  Daniel  Moser,  Michael  Racb,  Jacob 
Sherer,  Godfrey  Dreher,  Jo.  Edw'ds  Bell. 

CANDIDATES. 

Peter  Shmucker,  Martin  Walter,  Jacob  Miller. 

CATECHETS. 

Jacob  Grieson,  Philip  Roth,  Daniel  Walcher. 

DEPUTIES. 

rev.  Mr.  Storck's  congregation, 
j-  Stokes  county. 
Guilford. 

from  South-Carolina. 

j.  Daniel  Moser^s  congregation.. 

reverend  Bell's  do. 
Tennessee. 
.  Rowan,  J.  Miller's  congregation* 

do.  Daniel  Walker's  do. 
da.      Pine  church,  do. 

Besides  the  above,  Henry  Rudisill  and  John  Aberna- 


Peter  Beringer, 
John  Null, 
Lewis  Wolff, 
Henry  Holder, 
John  Ferrel, 
Herman  All, 
Jacob  Swigart, 
Jacob  Lutz, 
Conrad  Weber, 
George  Rich, 
Conrad  Michel, 
William  Gregg, 
Samuel  Walk, 
Peter  S  heeler, 
John  Derner, 
John  Richard, 
John  Hartman, 


thy  were  elected  from  White-Haven  congregation,  (their 
church  is  now  occupied  by  David  Henkel,)  who  claimed 
seat  and  vote. 

1.  As  the  former  rule,  that  all  the  deputies  together 
should  have  no  more  votes  than  ministers  present,  had 
for  some  years  past  remained  unattended  to,  in  friend- 
ship, so  that  each  deputy  had  a  vote,  it  was  now  resolved 
that  the  old  rule  should  he  retained. 

2.  -  Whereas  it  was  resolved,  on  Monday,  on  the  appli- 
cation for  the  ordination  of  the  rev.  Peter  Shmurker, 
who  had  been  a  candidate  for  many  years,  that  he  be  or- 
dained, if  on  examination  he  be  found  deserving:  and 
the  rev.  Messrs.  Sherer  and  Shober,  who  were  appointed 
as  examinatoi  s,  now  reporting,  that  they  examined  him 
sufficiently  and  found  him  deserving  of  an  ordination,  it 
was  resolved  that  he  be  ordained  by  the  pastors  Shober, 
Storck  and  Miller. 

3.  All  tiie  candidates  and  catechets  surrendered  their 
expired  licenses,  except  David  Henkel,  who  had  already 
openly  declared,  on  yesterday,  that  he  would  not  surren- 
der his. — [N.  B.  It  was  a  catechct  license  for  one  year.] 

The  following  petitions  were  now  handed  in  and  read: 

i.  From  Bedford  county,  Tennessee,  in  which  a  rela- 
tion was  also  contained,  of  the  ministerial  transactions 
of  Michel  Wac liter,  from  Frederk  ktown,  Maryland  ; 
who,  at  the  last  year's  synod  in  Baltimore  was  requested 
hy  Mr.  Shober  to  pay  them  a  visit.  He  had  regulated 
two  congregations,  baptised  5  adults,  and  35  children, 
confirmed  some,  and  administered  the  sacrament.  They 
pray  for  a  settled  minister,  and  have  no  doubt  but  t  hat 
they  could  support  one  ;  but  at  least  they  pray  for  a 
visit. 

ii.  From  Pendleton  county,  Virginia,  whereby  the 
absence  of  candidate  Darnel  Sherer,  and  a  deputy  from 
thence,  was  explained.    They  were  excused. 

iii.  From  Sandy  Hill  Church,  wherein  they  request, 
that  candidate  Jacob  Miller,  might  be  left  to  them  as  their 
minister.— No  objection  was  made  thereto. 

iv.  From  congregations  on  Abbots  creek,  by  which 
the  subscribers  expressed  their  satisfaction  with  the  offi-, 
cial  conduct  of  Daniel  Walker  and  prayed  that  his  au- 


xhoriiy  to  administer  the  sacrament  might  be  resolved  up* 
on. 

The  ministers  Storck,  Shober  and  Sherer  were  ap* 
pointed  as  a  committee  of  examinators  to  report  their  o~ 
pinion  on  this  petition,  as  also,  on  the  application  of  Ja- 
cob Moses,  from  South-Carolina;  Martin  Kiebler,  from 
Virginia,  John  Reichard,  arid  Richard  Grimes,  from 
Rowan  county,  to  be  licensed  as  preachers. 

v.  From  Guilford,  requesting  Jacob  Grieson  to  be 
continued  as  catechet.  This  w  as  granted  and  also 'that 
Jacob  Roth  have  his  license  as  catechet  renewed. 

vi,  From  four  congregations  out  of  Virginia  wherein 
it  was  asserted  that  Martin  Kiebler  with  an  unblameable 
conduct,  had  for  sometime  assisted  therev.  Mr. Shmuck- 
er  with  applause  and  fidelity  in  preaching,  and  they  pray 
that  he  may  be  received  by  our  synod. — See  iv. 

vit.  From  two  congregations  in  S:>uth-Car<«lina,  Lex- 
ington and  Newberry  district,  wherein  they  request  to 
have  Jacob  Moser  appointed  as  their  minister,  as  they 
had  been  for  a  few  years  past,  without  a  settled  minister 
among  them. — See  iv. 

viiL  From  Pine  Church  congregation,  wherein  they 
petition  for  a  minister. 

ix.  Containing  excuses  why  candidate  Yost  Mitze 
could  not  be  present.  On  account  of  his  certified  sick* 
liness  he  was  excused. 

At  12  o'clock  the  rev.  Godfrey  Decker  preached  from 
Gal.  i.  3.  Grace  be  with  you,  and  peace  from  God,  &c. 

After  which  the  rev.  Peter  Slimurker  was  ordained  to' 
the  ministry  in  the  German  language.  The  large,  con- 
gregation were  attentive  hearers  during  the  charge  and 
ceremony. 

When  we  had  assembled  again,  Mr.  Jos.  Edward  Bell, 
who  had  been  a  candidate  among  us,  but  who  was  also 
ordained  by  the  rev.  Philip  Hcnkel,  applied  for  a  re-union 
with  us.  He  had  already  reported  how  he  was,  against 
his  conviction,  induced  not  to  appear  at  our  last  synod, 
on  the  second  Sunday  after  Easter,  and  among  other 
things  had  been  informed  that  we  contemplated  a  separa- 
tion. He  now  covenanted,  that,  according  to  the  use 
and  custom  of  all  christian  churches  in  America,  he 
would  conform  to  our  established  rules,  and  to  sue!: 
"Which  photUd  hereafter  be  established  synodj  by  aip^ 

.9 


jority  of  votes.  On  the  question  of  the  president,  in 
what  manner  we  regarded  his  ordination  by  Philip  Hen> 
kcl,  it  was  admitted  that  he  was  ordained,  but  that  his 
ordination  was  invalid  according  to  the  rules  of  all  regu- 
lar christian  chin  ches.  But  as  he  now  declared  himself 
bounden  to  fulfil  the  promises  he  made  when  ordained, 
tov  aids  the  Lutheran  church;  his  ordination  was  unan- 
imously made  legal,  valid  and  ratified  :  and  determined 
that  he  should  receive  an  attestation  thereof,  and  that  he 
again  belonged  to  us. 

4.  On  the  proposition  of  the  president,  seconded  by 
R.  J.  Miller,  to  establish  invariable  rules  about  the  or- 
dination of  ministers,  it  was  unanimously  resolved,  that 
hereafter  no  ordination  for  the  ministry  in  our  church, 
shall  be  performed,  nor  declared  to  be  valid,  except  it  is 
done  by  at  least  two  ordained  ministers  of  our  church, 
and  by  such  who  were  thereto  appointed  by  the  synod. 

5.  On  motion,  it  was  enacted  and  published,  that  the 
rev.  deacon  Daniel  Moser,  be  a  pastor  of  our  church. 

6.  The  rev.  J.  E.  Bell  and  Jacob  Swigartw  ere  appoint- 
ed to  examine  the  treasurer's  account,  and  make  a  re- 
port. 

This  day  was  closed  with  a  hymn  and  prayer* 


WEDNESDAY  MAY  31. 

The  rev.  R.  J.  Miller  opened  the  meeting  as  usual. 

And  the  rev.  Mr.  Storck  being  unable  to  attend  as  pre- 
sident, the  rev.  R.  J.  Miller  was  elected  president  pro 
tern. 

7.  A  motion  being  seconded,  that  the  3d  article  of  our 
constitution  be  explained,  it  was  adopted  by  the  requisite 
majority,  that  the  certificates  of  the  deputies  claiming  a 
vote  should  be  signed  b}  the  elders  of  the  congregation 
or  one  of  them,  and  if  none  of  them  are  present  at  the  ap- 
pointment, then  by  two  or  three  members  of  the  congre- 
gation. 

8.  It  being  moved  that  the  article  of  our  rules  respect 
ing  the  confession  of  penitents,  might  be  so  altered  as 
not  to  be  left  to  the  minister  alone,  whether  the  confes- 
sion is  to  be  made  before  the  congregation  or  church 
a  (  sel;  it  \>as  determii  ed  that  the  question  is  to  be  left 
to  the  minister  and  church  counsel,  whether  the  confer 


sion  is  to  be  before  the  congregation  or  before  them 
alone. 

9.  A  request  being  made  that  the  papers  which  at  our 
last  synod,  Were  exhibited  against  and  ibr  David  Henkel, 
be  given  up  by  the  secretary  to  the  claimants  ;  it  was  not 
approved;  but  admitted,  that  whosoever  wishes  to  know 
the  contents,  may  recei  ve  a  copy. 

10.  The  committee  which  was  appointed  to  settle  and  re- 
port the  treasurer's  account  asked  for,  and  obtained  indul- 
gence to  report  on  the  last  day  of  the  session,  in  order  to 
include  therein,  what  might  be  received  before  we  depart 

1 1.  The  rev.  J.  E.  Bell  related  the  embarrassments  of 
the  congregations  he  had  left  in  Tennessee,  and  who  pray 
that  he  might  visit,  and  administer  the  sacraments  to 
them — on  which  he  was  unanimously  appointed  for  that 
purpose,  and  requested  to  report  to  our  next  synod,  how 
those  congregations  arc  inclined  with  respect  to  their  uni- 
on with  our  synod. 

12.  A  motion  being  made  and  seconded,  again  to  rati- 
fy and  approve  what  our  synod  did  in  April,  1819,  it 
was  resolved  by  more  than  two  thirds,  that  the  transac- 
tions of  said  synod  be  again  ratified,  as  also  the  consti- 
tution in  the  book  called  Luther,  (the  alterations  made 
since  the  date  of  said  book  excepted.) 

13.  As  a  meeting  of  delegates  from  many  western 
counties  of  this  state  is  expected  in  Lincolnton,  for  the 
purpose  of  forming  a  petition  to  our  next  legislature,  to 
establish  and  incorporate  an  academy  in  one  of  the  wes- 
tern counties  ;  application  was  made  to  us,  as  a  body  to 
appear  at  that  meeting  by  deputy  or  deputies.  But  on 
reflection  we  could  not  determine  to  appear  and  be  pre- 
sent and  act  as  a  body,  but  every  minister  is  at  liberty  to 
be  present,  as  an  academy  for  the  western  parts  of  the 
state  appears  to  be  very  necessary. 

14.  The  president  pro.  tern,  in  the  name  of  this  synod 
requested  the  present  deputies  of  such  congregations  w  ho 
had  belonged  to  our  union,  and  who  now  keep  David 
Henkel  as  their  preacher,  whether  their  congregations 
will  hold  themselves  obligated  to  live  according  to  the 
rules  of  this  synod — on  which  question  John  Abernathy 
and  Jacob  Aderhold,  deputies  from  White-Haven  i  On- 
gregation,  declared,  that  they  would  not  a»* .  ver  in  the 
name  of  the  congregation,  and  only  for  themselves,  not 


as  deputies.  They  declai ed,  that  they  hold  themselves 
bound  to  the  rules  of  this  synod  according'  to  the  consti- 
tution. 

15.  Hereupon  they  proposed  that  the  ordination  of  Da 
vid  Heifkcl  may  be  validated  and  ratified,  as  the  Rev.. 
Mr.  Bell's  ordination  had  stood  in  the  same  degree. 
But,  as  the  standing  of  David  with  us  as  catechet  was, 
at  that  time,  infinitely  different  ;  and  he  having  since 
that  time  shewn  no  symptom  ol'  desiring  to  live  in  peace 
with  us,  and  only  last  Monday  bad  acted  as  dictator 
w  hat  doctrine  we  should  preach,  and  otherwise  had  bo* 
liaved  with  conspicuous  incivility,  the  above  proposi- 
tion was  rejected  ;  of  course  he  is  no  Minister  of  the 
Lutheran  Church  for  North-Carolina  and  adjacent 
states. 

16.  And  it  was  further  unanimously  resolved,  that  this 
synod  is  not  answerable  for  the  actions  and  doctrines  of 
David  Henkel,  as  well  on  the  pulpit  as  otherwise,  as  he 
had  seperated  himself  from  us.  The  secretary  will  pub- 
lish the  names  of  all  teachers  bclongingto  our  ministry  in 
the  newspapers. 

17.  A  proposition  made  and  seconded,  that  a  commit- 
tee be  appointed,  to  form  a  treatise  for  publication  of  the 
actual  seperation  of  some  of  the  ministers  formerly  be- 
longing to  us,  was  not  approved,  and  resolved  that  wc 
will  be  silent  until  we  are  necessitated  to  answer  in  case 
any  thing  should  be  printed  against  us.  But  no  indivi- 
dual  can  be  prevented  to  answer  accusations  in  the  same 
manner  as  they  are  propagated,  only  it  must  not  appear- 
in  the  name  of  the  synod,  before  it  is  approved  by  at 
least  three  ministers. 

18.  The  rev.  Mr.  Yost  Mitze,  from  S.  Carolina,  com- 
plained in  an  address  to  this  synod,  that  he  is  prevented 
from  administering  the  lord's  supper  because  he  admits 
negroes  thereto,  and  baptizes  them  ;  he  prays  for  a  reso- 
lution to  be  made  which  is  to  be  read  in  all  our  churches. 
But  as  the  rules  respecting  negroes'  admission  to  our 
church  as  contained  in  the  book  called  Luther  from  page 
16r  to  169  appear  plain,  they  can  be  read  in  the  churches 
'where  necessary. 

19.  An  address  from  the  rev.  James  Hill,  minister  of 
*Ue  gospel  among  the  Methodists,  w  as  read,  as  follows r 


To  the  Reverend  and  venerable  North- Carolina  Synod  of 
the  Evangelical  Lutheran  Church,  synodically  convened 
in  Lincolnton.  Grace,  mercy  and  and  peace  from  God 
the  Father,  through  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ,  by  the  Holp 
Ghost,  be  unto  you. 

As  a  regular  ordained  minister  of  the  gospel,  although 
not  of  the  same  denomination,  I  take  the  liberty  to  ad- 
dress you,  in  friendship  and  with  confidence,  in  hope  of 
receiving  that  attention  of  which  you  in  your  wisdom 
may  judge  the  case  worthy. 

Ever  since  I  have  lived  in  this  county,  winch  has  been 
nearly  or  quite  thirteen  years,  I  have  understood,  that 
the  greater  number  of  the  ministers  of  the  gospel  of  your 
order  in  this  county  have  taught  that  baptism  by  water 
effects  regeneration,  and  that  the  body  and  blood  of  Christ 
are  corporeally  received  along  with  the  bread  and  wine 
in  the  Lard's  Supper.  These  doctrines  having  been  so 
generally  and  universally  taught,  and  professedly  be- 
lieved, I  had  concluded  in  my  mind  that  they  were  gen- 
erally deemed  orthodox  in  the  Lutheran  church,  until 
last  Monday,  wjicn  I  discovered  (or  thought  I  did)  that 
some  of  your  reverend  body  had  not  the  above  views  of 
them. 

As  I  have  heretofore  w  armly  opposed  the  above  opin  - 
ions respecting  the  ordinances,  under  the  name  and  idea 
of  their  being  Lutheran,  and  as  1  w  ish  not  to  brand  any 
man,  or  body  of  men,  with  what  they  do  not  deserve; 
but  to  think  and  speak  correctly  and  charitably  of  all 
men :  believing,  moreover,  that  among  you,  there  are  the 
true  servants  of  God,  and  ministers  of  the  gospel  of  our 
common  Lord,  and  for  whom  I  have  the  tenderest  chris- 
tian affection,  that  I  may  know  how  to  conduct  in  future, 
towards  such  a  respectable  branch  of  the  church  of 
Christ,  please  to  let  me  know  the  opinions  of  your  reve- 
rend and  venerable  body  as  a  synod,  on  the  above  sub- 
jects; and  in  so  doing,  you  will  not  only  give  me  much 
satisfaction,  but  also  perhaps  prevent  future  controversy 
on  the  above  points,  and  more  closely  unite  a  heart  to 
you  which  desires  to  be  united  in  christian  affection  to 
all  who  have  found  or  are  seeking  redemption  in  the  blood 
of  Christ. 


m 

Reverend  gentlemen,  with  due  respect,  I  am  yours,  ur 
the  gospel  of  peace, 

JAMES  HILL. 

May  31,  1820. 

20.  The  pastors  R.  J.  Miller  and  Peter  Shmuckcr 
were  appointed  to  prepare  an  answer  to  the  above  ques- 
tions, and  report  to-morrow  to  the  ministry. 

21.  The  following  donations  were  received  : 


Of  Yost  Mitze,  S.  C.  g  3  00 

Mr.  Hoyle,  for  books  sold,  2  25 

From  Botetourt  and  Montgomery,  Va.  5  00 

Of  G.  Dreher,  from  congregations  in  S.  C.  J 6  25 

From  Stokes  county  or  their  deputies,  b  00 

Of  Mr.  Ranch,  1  50 

Of  Mr.  AValcher,  3  0© 

From  Emanuel's  church,  Lincoln,  3  00 

Oi  Mr.  Keibler,  1  0 

Of  Mr.  Roti.e,  50 

Of  Rob.  J.  Miller,  for  books  sold,  JO  50 


00 


22.  The  committee  which  was  appointed,  (see  iv.)  to 
examine  all  applicants  Cor  adoption  in  the  ministry  or  for 
advancement,  reported,  that  they  propose  lianiel  Waif  her 
as  a  candidate  for  the  ministry,  Jacob  Moscr  and  Mar- 
tin Keibler  as  catechets  and  John  Reich  and  as  exhorters 
and  readers,  under  the  superintendence  of  the  rev.  Daniel 
Walcher  and  Jacob  Miller — which  report  was  adopted, 
and  they  received  their  license.  The  licenses  of  Jacob 
Grieson,  Philip  Roth  and  Michael  Mackin  were  renewed 
as  catechets,  as  also  the  licenses  of  the  candidates  Jacob 
Miller,  Martin  Walthcr  and  Yost  Mitze. 

23.  The  rev.  Godfrey  Dreher  was  appointed  to  pay  a 
ministerial  visit  to  the  congregation  on  Duck  river,  Ten- 
nessee.— See  pet.  No.  i. 

24.  The  request  of  the  members  of  our  church  on  the 
Sait  Ketchers,  S.  C.  to  receive  spiritual  assistance,  at 
least  a  visit,  could  not  be  accomplished,  but  we  hold  our- 
selves bounden  to  do,  in  future,  for  them  what  we  can. 

25.  On  the  petition  No.  viii,  from  Pine  Church,  the 


(10) 


rev.  pastor  Storck  and  candidate  Daniel  Walcher  were 
appointed  to  visit  that  congregation  every  four  weeks  and 
preach  to  them;  the  rev.  Daniel  Mour  is  also  willing  to 
visit  them.  Resolved  also,  that  the  secretary  have  the 
names  of  all  belonging  to  our  ministry  published. 
This  day  ended  as  usual  with  singing  and  prayer. 


THURSDAY,  JUNE  I. 
We  assembled  and  began  in  the  same  manner. 

26.  The  c  nnmittce  who  were  charged  to  examine  the 
treasurers  account  reported  : — 

That  by  the  books  and  other  vouchers  it  appears  that 
synod  owes  to  the  treasurer  Si  15  71  cents.  But  that  the 
synod  hath  to  demand  from  individuals  for  books  to  the 
amount  of  $868  25  cents:  when  those  books  are  sold,  and 
the  money  is  received,  there  remains  in  the  treasury  af- 
ter deducting  the  above  debt  of  Si  15  71  cents,  the  sum  of 
$752  54  cents,  (but  out  of  which  the  freight  of  the  books 
from  Baltimore  to  Tennessee  and  South-Carolina  must  bc- 
paid.) 

The  above  report  was  adopted  and  ratified  and  Gotleib 
Shober  was  again  elected  treasurer. 

27.  On  reading  the  3rd  article  of  our  last  year's  trans- 
action,  the  rev.  G.  Shober  who  had  been  elected  as  depu- 
ty to  attend  the  synod  at  Baltimore,  reported  as  follows : — 

That  he  was  received  with  brotherly  love  and  friend- 
ship, and  had  obtained  seat  and  voice  among  them;  that 
after  he  had  laid  before  them  the  purpose  of  his  journey, 
which  was  to  consult  on  the  possible  union  of  all  the  Lu- 
theran synods  by  a  general  synod,  as  a  proposition  origi- 
nally coming  from  them,  they  immediately  appointed 
a  committee,  in  unison  with  him,  to  deliberate  upon,  and 
forma  plan  for  a  general  union  and  to  report  the  same  to 
their  synod.  The  said  committee  after  having  with  in- 
dustry formed  a  plan  as  far  as  then  possible,  reported  the 
same  to  the  synod,  where  each  paragraph  was  debated  and 
adopted,  and  on  the  general  question  to  adopt  the  sketch 
of  a  plan  for  a  general  union,  it  was  by  yeas  and  nays  a- 
dopted  by  a  large  majority.  This  plan  was  then  printed, 
and  has  ever  since  last  summer  circulated  among  us  for 
in  vi  stigation.  But  as  our  deputy  could  not  effect  the  for- 
mation of  a  constitution  according  to  his  instruction,  but 


(16) 


Only  a  plan  by  which  such  a  one  could  hereafter  be  trea- 
ted. This  synod  was  now  to  deliberate  whether  the  plan 
can  be  adopted.  The  plan  was  hereupon  read  paragraph 
by  paragraph,  debated  and  elucidated,  and  the  expedien- 
cy of  a  general  union  admitted  also  by  such  who  had 
their  scruples  as  to  the  present  plan. 

And  on  the  question  whether  this  synod  does  adopt 
the  purposed  plan,  the  yeas  and  nays  were  called  and  are* 
as  follows  : — yeas,  the  Ministers  Storck,  R.  T.  Miller, 
Jacob  Sberer,  G.  Shober,  Peter  Slunucker,  Daniel 
Walsher,  Martin  Walsher,  Jacob  Miller,  Jacob  GricsoTU 
Philip  Roth — Deputies,  Piter  Beringcr,  John  Ferrel — 
the  Deputies  from  Stokes,  John  Denier,  Samuel  Wall. 
15. — nays,  the  Ministers,  G.  Dreher,  Michel  Ranch, 
Jos.  G.  Vaell,  Daniel  Moser — Deputies,  Jacob  Swrgart, 
George  Rich,  6. — Of  course  the  plan  was  adopted. 

28.  Hereupon  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  revL 
George  Schmucker,  President  of  the  Pennsylvania  Sy- 
nod, was  read  ;  by  which  it  appeared  that  the  synod  of 
Ohio  state  had  adopted  the  said  plan  w  ith  joy  ;  and  that 
of  course  a  general  synod  w  ill  come  into  existence :  and, 
it  being  probable  that  during  this  year  it  will  he  called, 
it  w  as  deemed  adviseable  now  to  elect  deputies  to  attend 
the  same — and,  we  having,  according  to  the  adopted 
plan,  a  right  to  send  two  ministers  and  one  lay  deputy, 
the  rev.  Rob't  Johnston  Miller  was  elected  with  14 
votes,  and  the  rev.  Peter  Shmucker  with  11 — the  rev. 
Mr.  Storck  had  5,  and  G.  Shober  6  votes.  As  lay  de- 
puty, Mr.  John  B.  Harry  was  by  12  votes  elected.  Mr. 
Swigarthad  5,  and  Geo.  Moury  2  votes.  It  w  as  further 
unanimously  agreed,  on  the  proposition  of  the  rev.  ]>.  J, 
Miller,  that  if  either  of  those  that  are  elected,  cannot 
attend  the  general  synod,  he  should  inform  the  secretary 
thereof  as  soon  as  possible,  and  that  in  such  case,  he  w  ho 
next  had  the  majority  of  voices,  should  then  hereby  be 
elected  in  his  stead  to  attend  said  synod  ;  and  the  secre- 
tary will  inform  him  thereof;  and  to  all  such  who  go  to 
attend  the  secretary  will  give  a  certificate  of  their  ap- 
pointment. 

29.  As  the  1  Vnnessec  academy,  to  which  we  were  in 
some  measure  attached,  according  to  the  14th  section  of 
last  year's  transactions,  had  separated,  no  conclusion 
respecting  ate  same  was  found  necessary,  excepting  what 


\  (17) 

follows.  The  rev.  R.  J.  Miller  reported,  that,  according 
to  the  said  fourteenth  section,  a  constitution  for  said 
school  had  been  presented  to  him,  of  which  he  believed, 
that,  with  a  few  alterations,  the  synod  would  adopt  the 
same  :  that  the  rev.  Mr.  Bell,  then  principal  teac  her  of 
said  academy,  requested  $  37  75,  for  a  library  he  had 
procured  for  the  institution,  and  no  more :  that  as  he 
(Mr.  Miller)  was  not  authorised  alone  to  draw  for  mo- 
ney in  his  favor,  but  only  in  union  with  the  rev.  Paul 
Henkel,  he  subscribed  a  blank  order  on  the  rev.  Philip 
Henkel,  in  favor  of  Mr.  Bell,  expecting  that  Mr.  Paul 
HMnkel,  after  perusing*  and  approving  the  proposed  con- 
stitution, would  fill  up  the  blank  order  with  the  sum 
wanted  by  Mr.  Bell.  The  order  was  now  produced  by 
M  •.  Bell,  and  with  astonishment  it  was  found  that  said 
order  was  filled  up  with  g>246  75,  and  signed  by  Paul 
Henkel,  and  with  Mr.  Millers  signature,  which  order 
was  accepted  by  the  rev.  Philip  Henkel,  who  had  paid  as 
per  receipt,  the  saic'  S36  75,  to  Mr.  Bell,  which  he  ori- 
ginally wanted.  It  appeared,  then,  that  Philip  Henkel 
owed  yet  on  the  accepted  order  $  210,  which,  together 
with  8  165,  makes  the  sum  of  S  338  25  cents,  which  is 
to  arise  from  the  sale  of  500  Luthers,  he  (Mr.  Henkel) 
had  as  good  as  bought,  (from  which,  however,  must  be 
deducted  the  freight  from  Baltimore  to  Tennessee.} 
To  recover  said  amount,  our  friend  John  B.  Harry  was 
unanimously  appointed  our  agent,  with  further  power  to 
recover  from  David  Henkel  g  i  56  50,  which  he  yet  owes 
for  books,  and  likewise  to  receive  the  library  procured 
b\  Mr.  Bell  for  the  amount  of  $  36  75 ;  and,  in  part 
pay,  to  receive  such  good  books  called  Luther,  as  arc 
yet  unsold,  and  for  the  balance  to  take  bond  and  security, 
payable  in  six  months,  without  interest.  As  our  friend 
Harry  accepted  the  above  agency,  he  received  a  power 
of  attorney  in  conformity  with  the  above,  and  likewise 
the  accepted  order  which  Mr.  Bell  endorsed  to  him,  as 
agent,  without  recourse.  The  rev.  Mr.  Bell  was  here- 
upon released  from  all  demands  of  this  synod. 

30.  In  conformity  with  the  17th  section  of  last  year's 
transactions,  the  rev.  Mr.  Sherer  reported  that  the  con- 

fregations  in  South-Carolina,  which  he  had  visited  t\\  ue. 
ad  concluded  to  be  directed  by  our  rules,  and  tkat  the 
rev,  Mr.  Franklow  acted  as  minister. 

a 


(18) 


31.  Whereas  the  congregations  in  Lexington  and 
Newberry  district,  which  formerly  were  under  the  min- 
istration of  Mr.  Waller,  had  during  this  synod  request- 
ed and  obtained  catechet  Jacob  Moser  as  their  minister, 
(see  vii.  petition,)  the  rev.  Jacob  Sherer  was  requested 
and  he  promised  to  visit  the  said  congregations,  and  ad- 
minister the  Lord's  Supper  to  them. 

32.  The  secretary  was  requested  to  intreat  the  rev, 
Mr.  Markert  of  Ohio  state,  to  visit  the  members  of  our 
church  in  the  state  of  Illinois.  This  has  reference  to 
sect.  16  of  last  year's  transactions. 

33.  The  charge  No.  34  of  last  year  was  obeyed  by  4 
ministers,  who  presented  their  written  ideas  on  the  doc- 
trine of  justification,  viz.  J.  Dreher,  Yost  Mitze,  M. 
Rauch  and  G.  Shober ;  all  which  were  read  during  the 
evening  in  the  presence  of  many. 

As  now  the  transactions  were  finished,  the  deputies 
were  dismissed  with  the  Lord's  blessing. 

34.  In  the  afternoon,  the  ministry  met  alone,  and  the 
rev.  R.  J.  Miller  and  Peter  Shmucker  reported  an  an- 
swer to  the  questions  proposed  by  the  re  v.  Mr.  Hill :  and 
the  following  answer  was  adopted,  and  the  secretary  re- 
quested to  enclose  the  same  to  him  from  our  minutes,  pre- 
facing the  same  with  a  polite  and  brotherly  address  in 
our  name : 

TO  THE  REVEREND  MJUES  HILL. 
REVEREND  AND  DEAR  SIR, 

In  answer  to  your  question,  "  whether  water 
baptism  effects  regeneration,"  we  say,  that  we  do  not 
fully  know  what  you  mean  by  the  word  "  effect,"  as  it 
may  have  many  definitions.  But  we  say,  that  baptism  is 
beneficial,  and  ought  to  be  attended  to  as  a  command  of 
God  :  but  we  do  not  believe  that  all  who  are  baptised 
with  water  are  regenerated  and  born  again  unto  God,  so 
as  to  be  saved,  without  the  operation  of  the  Holy  Ghost; 
or,  in  other  words,  without  faith  in  Christ. — And,  as  to 
the  second  question,  we  do  not  believe,  nor  teach,  that 
the  body  and  blood  of  our  Lord  Jesus  Christ  is  corpo- 
really received  along  with  the  bread  and  wine  in  the 
Lord's  Supper ;  but  that  the  true  believer  does  spiritual- 
ly receive  and  partake  of  the  same  through  faith  in  Je- 
sus Christ,  and  all  the  saving  benefits  of  hi*  death  and 
passion. 


(19) 


35.  The  Rev.  Jo.  E.  Bell  was  commissioned  on  his 
journey  to  Tennessee,  in  a  friendly  manner  to  assure  the 
rev.  Philip  Hcnkel,  that  we,  on  our  part,  are  disposed  to 
forget  every  thing  that  has  occurred,  and  to  entreat  him 
to  re-unite  with  us  again ;  and  that,  if  he  suhmits  to  the 
majority,  according  to  our  constitution,  he  will  he  re- 
ceived with  joy  as  a  brother.  And  it  was  further  resolv- 
ed, that  all  ministers  should  be  emphatically  charged  to 
recommend  with  warmth  to  their  congregations  to  estab- 
lish prayer  meetings  on  the  first  Saturday  of  every 
month. 

The  next  meeting  of  the  synod  will  be  on  Trinity 
Sunday,  in  Guilford  county,  Law's  church. 

36.  And,  after  a  cordial  conversation  on  sundry  things 
which  had  occurred  during  the  session;  and  after  an  af- 
fecting prayer  of  the  president,  to  be  preserved  in  the 
spirit  of  love,  peace  and  union,  to  bless  our  transactions, 
to  forgive  errors,  to  guide  and  preserve  us  in  our  jour- 
nies  home,  and  the  blessing  of  the  Lord,  we  departed  in 
peace. 

37.  REPORTS  BY  MINISTERS. 


Children  bap- 
tised. 


Adulte.    \  Confirmed. 


€.  A.  Storck, 
R.J  Miller, 
G.  Shober, 


Jacob  Sherer, 
G.  Dreher, 
Michael  Ranch, 
Daniel  Moser, 
Jos.  E.  Bell, 
Peter  Shmucker 
Jacob  Miller, 
Martin  Walther, 
Jacob  Grieson, 
Daniel  Walcher, 
Michel  Mackin, 
—  Franklow, 


110  23  black, 
19 


14  2  black. 
1 


97 
41 
39 
92 
151 
237 
50 
36 
1 
45 
7 
94 


14  black. 


1  black. 


31 

21  catechised 
by  D.  Wal- 
cher. 

34 
16 

3 

156 
113 
21 

20 


31 


INDEX. 


1.  Old  rule  respecting  the  votes  of  the  deputies  renewed. 

2.  Ordination  of  Peter  Shmucker  resolved,  and  by  whom  to  be  per- 

formed. 

3.  All  licenses  returned  except  D.  Henkel's. 

i.  Petition  from  Tennessee. 

ii.  Do.    from  Pendleton,  Va. 

iii.  From  Sandy  Hill  church. 

iv.  From  congregation  on  Abbot's  creek.    Ministers  appointed  to 

examine  applicants. 

v.  From  Guilford,  and  resolution  thereon. 

vi.  From  congregation  in  Virginia,  respecting  Martin  Kiebler, 
vii  From  South-Carolina,  for  Jacob  Moser. 

viii.  From  Pine  church  for  a  minister. 

ix.  Containing  excuses  <of "  absentees.     Ordination  of  Peter 

Shmucker.    Respecting  the  rev.  Mr.  Bell. 
4>.  Invariable  rules  what  ordination  is  to  be  valid. 

5.  Daniel  Moser  declared  a  pastor. 

6.  To  examine  treasurer's  account. 

7.  How  certificates  of  deputies  must  be  signed,. 

8.  Confession  of  penitents  how  admitted. 

9.  Papers  not  to  be  returned. 

10.  Time  given  to  report  treasurer's  account.  . 

11.  J.  E.  Bell's  mission  to  Tennessee. 

12.  Last  year's  transactions  of  synod  re -approved,  and  constitution,.  • 

with  exceptions. 

13.  Respecting  an  academy  in  the  western  counties. 

14.  Deputies  from  Whitehaven  would  not  answer  in  the  name  of  their 

congregation. 

15.  David  Henkel  no  minister  of  our  church. 

16.  Not  answerable  for  his  conduct. 

37.  Exposition  cf  separation  not  to  be  published  till  necessity  com- 

pels. -      ■  '<./,. 

38.  Rales  about  negro  admission  to  be  read. 

19.  Address  from  the  rev.  James  Hill. 

20.  Ministers  appointed  to  answer  above. 

21.  Receipts  of  donations. 

22.  Report  of  examinators  and  licenses  renewed. 

23.  Rev.  Mr.  Dreher's  appointment  to  Tennessee  on  No.it 
£4.  Salt  Ketchers'  peiition  answered. 

25.  Direction  on  petition  viii.  from  Pine  church. 

26.  Treasury  statement  reported  and  approved. 
'27.  Report  about  the  union  plan. 

28.  The  deputies  chosen  to  a  general  synod,  and  in  case  of i  vacancy, 

who  then. 

29.  Report  of  transactions  with  Tennessee  academy;  order  accept- 

ed, blank,  how  filled  ;  agent  appointed. 

30.  Report  on  visit  to  South-Carolina. 

31.  Jacob  Sherer  to  visit  South- Carolina. 
o2.  Request  to  the  rev.  Mr.  Markert. 

J  :.  Former  charge  partly  executed. 
o4.  Answer  to  Mr.  Hill  adopted. 

35.  To  invite  P.  Henkel ;  and  prayer  meetings. 

36.  Conclusion. 

27.  Reports  from  ministers-. 


APPENDIX. 


On  the  return  of  the  rev.  Jos.  E.  Bell  from  Tennessee 
in  July,  he  reported  to  the  secretary,  that  the  rev.  Philip 
Henkel  is  ready  to  forgive,  and,  on  mature  deliberation, 
determined  to  be  re-united  with  us,  and  be  governed  by 
the  majority  according  to  the  constitution. 
Errors  excepted. 

G.  SHOBER, 

Secretary  to  the  Synod* 


The  following  are  now  acting  ministers  of  the  Lutheran 
church,  under  the  German  and  Engl  sh  Lutheran  synod 
for  North- Carolina  and  adjacent  states : 

PASTORS. 

Charles  A.  Storck,  president,  Rob.  Johnston  Miller, 
president  pro.  tern.,  G.  Shober,  secretary,  Jacob  Shcrer, 
Daniel  Moser,  Jos.  Edwards  Bell,  (the  above  in  North- 
Carolina.)  Godfrey  Dreher,  Michael  Rauch,  Mr. 
Franklow,  (in  South-Carolina.)  Peter  Shmucker,  (in 
Virginia.)    Philip  Henkel,  (in  Tennessee.) 

CANDIDATES  FOR  THE  MINISTRY. 

Daniel  Sherer  and  Martin  Walther,  (in  Virginia.) 
Jacob  Miller  and  Daniel  Walcher,  (in  North- Carolina.) 
Yost  Mitze,  (South-Carolina.) 

CATECHETS. 

Jacob  Grieson,  Philip  Roth  and  Michael  Mackin,  (in 
North- Carolina.)  John  Dreher  and  Jacob  Moser,  (in 
South-Carolina.)    Martin  Kiebler,  (Virginia.) 

READERS  AND  EXHORTERS. 

John  Reichard  and  Richard  Grimes,  (North-CarQr 
lina.) 


\ 


III:;,:  a; 

284.1        1973SA  125911 


